Ideas for Old Books

Upcycling, recycling, altering, repurposing ... whatever you choose to call it old books can be re-used in many different ways. Following are some examples that I've found where books can be creatively re-used to make great gifts or to keep for your own home decor.

Cool altered book picture frame from Craftbits.

Nifty Book Purse from Country Living Magazine.

Elegant Book Lamp from JunkMarket Style.

Trendy Paper Vases made out of a books from Country Living Magazine.

The possibilities are endless ... they can also be used in wall art, scrapbooking, and decoupage projects. If you need some old books for a project your pursuing be sure to check out Endless Collectabilities.

Vintage4U, AllButtons, and AllPatterns on Etsy

I began my title with just Vintage4U on Etsy but I soon found out, Elaine actually has 4 online stores:

Vintage4U on Etsy where she specializes in antique and vintage toys, paper, supplies and treasures. Elaine believes (and I have to agree) that there are so many wonderful things from the past that just can't be replaced with today's modern items.

AllButtons on Etsy where she sells antique and vintage buttons. She loves the many styles and colors and it facinates her to see how the buttons have changed over the years.

AllPatterns on Etsy where she sells 100's of different patterns from many decades by many makers and for many styles. Many of the patterns for sale were never used and most of the ones that were cut have been very carefully done and are neatly folded and placed back into the envelope.

Timeless Treasures Antiques and Collectibles on Ruby Lane where she sells a variety of antiques and collectibles.

Elaine was an antique appraiser and sold antiques and collectibles for over 20 years. She's a very interesting lady and I found that I have some things in common with her. She loves contemporary christian music and I really could relate to her blog entry How I Learned to Conserve and Survive on her blog, Treasure It Always. I too love contemporary christian music, am a saver and big time coupon user.

I have to say that she has many wonderful items for sale. This vintage sewing notions collections is one of my favorites because there is something special about old sewing notions. I had some vintage sewing notions that I used to decorate a wreath. Elaine suggests making a shadowbox out of them which would also look good adorning the wall of a sewing room.

You can also find Elaine at the Vintage Village.

JenniferLynn's Finds at the Atomic Mall

Today I've stopped by JenniferLynn's Finds at the Atomic Mall. Jennifer is an artist, writer, and animal lover who lives in Maryland just outside the DC area. She loves to barter, use Freecycle, reclaim, dumpster dive, and try to help others out which she's done by joining a community of artists who put their proceeds into helping animals.

At JenniferLynn's Finds right now the major focus is books but you will also find some silver. Jennifer is always adding things and says that you'll never know what might turn up. She has the entire collection of the 1909 Harvard Classics (50 books in all) which cover every major literary figure, philosopher, religion, folklore, and historical subject through the 20th century. I love silver so the Reed & Barton Holiday silverplate is one of my favorites.


Jennifer also uses the Dragon Nthly as a promotional blog and can also be found at the Vintage Village.

Posh Adornment on Etsy

Looking for antique jewelry ... then you have to visit Posh Adornment, where you will find a selection of Victorian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Edwardian art glass jewelry. This beautiful Victorian gold beaded fringe bib collar is one of my favorites.This mother/daughter team has been selling antique, fine and vintage jewelry for many years. Collecting antique jewelry has been in the family for many generations.

If you don't find what you're looking for at their etsy store check out their online store PoshAdornment.com.

They also have a Posh Adornment blog, where they not only write about jewelry and other people's fashion and jewelry items, but also have links to their numerous articles on eHow which showcase many of their other interests. While at the blog, read how Susan got started in the antique jewelry business, In The Beginning Was The Word ... And The Word Was Jewelry.

I learned about Posh Adornment and have met many other vintage enthusiasts at the Vintage Village. Tomorrow I will introduce you to JenniferLynn's Finds.

The Vintage Village

Have you checked out the Vintage Village yet? It is a gathering of Vintage Enthusiasts.

I started selling vintage items and repurposed vintage items on Etsy a couple months ago and I stumbled on to the Vintage Village. It's a social network where you can browse pictures of vintage items that members have for sale, read articles on various vintage topics, and best of all get help identifying a vintage item from the 'Vintage Detectives'.

It's a great place to socialize. There are over 600 members both buyers and sellers and all are very knowledgable and willing to share information. So stop on by and tell them Endless Collectabilities sent you.